A luncheon at sea to toast Ron Howard’s ‘Avedon’
How to get into yachting: A beginner’s guide to chartering or owning a superyacht
Published 18 May 2026
Yachting is one of life’s most incredible experiences. At Burgess, we’re biased – but we’re yet to find anyone that disagrees. It’s an extraordinary way to travel the world and spend time with loved ones, and it truly is unmatched. Yet for those looking in from the outside, taking the first step into yachting can feel daunting. Do you charter or buy? Choose a motor yacht or a sailing yacht? How much does a yacht charter cost, and where do you even begin? Here, we answer all those questions and more, giving you the confidence to start your yachting journey.
Chartering a yacht: The easiest way to start
Want to find out how to try the world of yachting? Yacht rental – known in the trade as yacht charter – is the easiest way to dip your toe in the water.
Chartering allows you to test out a variety of yachts before owning one yourself. It will give you a good idea of the size, make and model you would like as well as what equipment and facilities you and your loved ones use most.
Chartering allows you to enjoy the yacht with none of the responsibility that come from owning a yacht; things, as a charter guest, would not even cross your mind such as annual surveys, inspections and insurance.
Lastly, charter provides a more diverse yachting experience as you are able to charter a different yacht each time. One year, you could find yourself on a luxury yacht cruising the French Riviera and the next, on an explorer yacht in Alaska. You are able to choose the type of holiday you would like without having the expense of moving your yacht from one part of the world to the next.
How to charter a yacht
Whether it’s a weekend trip cruising the Italian Riviera or a three-week stint island hopping The Bahamas, the best yachting experiences are those supported by a professional broker who will make sure you’re taken care of every step of the way. They will advise you on the what, where and how – and provide a joined-up service from your front door to the yacht, the watersports and destinations, the restaurants and on board chef, and even the wellness spa and activities.
Buying a superyacht: A long-term investment
Owning a superyacht is an ambition for many, often seen as the ultimate ‘I’ve made it’ moment. For frequent charterers, it can also feel like a natural next step: a yacht designed and outfitted entirely around your preferences, with everything you want in a true home away from home.
You also benefit from five-star service delivered by a crew who quickly learn how you and your guests like to spend your time on board. Your chef can tailor menus to your favourite dishes, the deck team will have the water toys you use most ready to go, the captain will know your preferred anchorages, and the interior team will prepare everything just the way you like it – down to your morning coffee.
The cost of owning a yacht is undeniably a long-term commitment, but unlike many luxury assets, a well-maintained yacht may hold its value and, in some cases, appreciate over time (though this is never guaranteed). For many owners, the bigger advantage is freedom and flexibility: the ability to enjoy spontaneous time at sea and cruise on your own schedule, without being restricted by charter availability or a yacht’s location at a particular moment.
How to buy a yacht
The best route to buy a yacht is to first speak to a broker. They will discuss your motivations behind the purchase, what you’re hoping to get out of ownership, where you’d like to travel, and more. All of this will help them narrow down what size, composition, and facilities on board will be the right fit for you.
For a taste of what’s on the market, boat shows are a great way to step on board a wide variety of yachts. Burgess experts from various departments will be in attendance to conduct private tours of the yachts that best match your requirements and will answer any questions you may have about chartering vs buying.
Charter vs ownership: Which is right for you?
If you’re still weighing up chartering versus buying, our yacht decision guide can help you narrow down the best route. And if you’d rather talk it through, our team across charter and brokerage are always on hand – just get in touch.
New to yachting? Charter
- The chance to try different makes, models, and sizes is invaluable for learning what you like, and it can help shape your preferences if you decide to buy later
Experienced charterer? Charter or buy
- Some prefer to keep chartering for the variety and convenience, without the fixed costs and administration that come with ownership
- Others choose to move into ownership once they’ve chartered enough to know exactly what they want
Charter once or twice per year? Charter
- If you charter infrequently, it’s usually more cost-effective to continue chartering as it avoids the ongoing fixed costs of ownership
Frequent charterer? Buy
- While the upfront investment is significant, ownership can make sense if you want guaranteed access and the ability to get on board at short notice
Looking for a commercial opportunity? Buy
- A well-maintained yacht may hold its value and can appreciate over time, though this is never guaranteed
- If you place your yacht on the charter market, charter income can help offset running costs – particularly in high season – depending on the yacht, location, and level of use
Looking for spontaneity and freedom? Buy
- No booking conflicts: your yacht is available on your schedule, whenever you want to go
Where to go for your first yacht experience
Selecting your yacht charter destination depends largely on what time of year you plan on going. This will also influence the yacht that you end up chartering, as different yachts are based in different locations and usually move throughout the year. The most common migration is the Mediterranean in the summer and the Caribbean in the winter, and these are great destinations for first-time charterers. However, for those looking for off-the-beaten-track adventure, you will also find yachts cruising the waters of Central and South America, Antarctica, the Pacific islands, Northern Europe and even Costa Rica.
Mediterranean
Discover the timeless charm of a Mediterranean yacht charter, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. Sail along the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, dotted with colourful villages and fragrant lemon groves. Hop through the Greek islands, from the lively Mykonos to the tranquil beauty of Santorini. Immerse yourself in the glamour of the French Riviera, where luxury boutiques and world-class dining await. However you choose to charter, this is summer yachting at its finest.
Caribbean
Explore pristine turquoise waters on a Caribbean yacht charter, where each island offers its own unique culture and charm. Snorkel vibrant coral reefs in the Bahamas or dance to steel drum rhythms in Saint Lucia. Escape the cold and spend your winter chasing the sun on board a luxury yacht.
What to expect on your first yacht experience
If you can dream it, you can experience it on a superyacht charter. The saying ‘anything goes’ applies, from style of food and beverage to the pace of life on board. If you’re an early bird who likes to indulge in morning yoga before taking the jetskis out for a spin, so be it.
If you prefer to sleep until gone midday, enjoy al fresco lunch in private before lounging your way into the early hours, go ahead. A superyacht is a home away from home – the fun doesn’t stop until you say so.
How to start your yachting journey
Easing first-time charterers into the world of superyachting is a path we’ve walked many times before. To start planning your luxury yacht experience, your Burgess broker will be your first port of call, taking you through the process with confidence so you know your private yacht holiday will be tailored exactly to you.
Speak to a broker
Speaking to a broker as a first step is vital, as it will help you get clear on the destinations that are best suited to you and what’s possible on board a yacht. Your charter broker will find out what you love to do most and build an incredibly experience around that. From which yacht to choose, where to go and what to do on a carefully planned itinerary, right through to transfers and what to pack, your personal broker will deliver the unforgettable.
Define your goals
Yachting holidays are like no other. Bespoke from beginning to end, you choose the yacht, destination, activities, entertainment, food and drink, plus more. When you start planning your yacht charter, your broker will ask you questions to identify your goals and help them plan the itinerary to best suit your requirements. Are you looking for a relaxing week and a yacht with wellness facilities? Are you travelling with multiple generations and want something that’s accessible but has a great array of watertoys? Are you hoping to tick off multiple islands in one charter and want something with a shallow draft and a fast top speed?
Once your broker understands your goals for your charter, they can advise on everything from the best yachts available to the best destinations and times to charter.
Choose your destination
For first-time charterers, we’d usually recommend the Mediterranean in the summer and The Bahamas or Caribbean in the winter. These destinations offer so much and are well-suited to a wide range of charter guests – from those looking for history and culture to those in search of crystal clear waters to make the most of the on board toys.
Some clients have a fixed destination in mind, but for those who are more flexible, your charter broker will suggest a handful of cruising locations that are well matched to the goals previously discussed.
Select your yacht
Superyachts are much like cars in the vast variety on offer. To understand your options, start with your own requirements for your yacht charter – how many people do you want to bring aboard, where do you want to sail, what activities are you interested in? From sailing to motor, and catamaran to explorer – the style, size and capability of a yacht is largely dictated by your preferences and bucket list cruising grounds. A broker will take your brief and give you a short list.
A sailing superyacht is a great way to reduce stress levels and is the most sustainable form of yachting. Motor yachts are floating havens that facilitate relaxation – or high-octane pursuits – while an explorer yacht typically possesses a high bow, a deep draft for transatlantic crossings and autonomy for long-distance cruising in remote areas.
Why work with Burgess as a first time charterer or owner?
Each superyacht in Burgess’ extensive charter fleet represents the very pinnacle of luxury travel. And for those looking to purchase, we have access to the best yachts on the market, including exclusive off-market listings only available through our sales brokers.
If you’re new to charter or ownership, our professional team is on hand to support you throughout every step of your journey, or if you’re looking for a specific yacht, discover our range of yachts for charter and Burgess superyachts for sale.
For more information on yacht charter, explore our frequently asked questions.
Start your yachting journey with Burgess
The best way to learn more about yachts is to dive into a superyacht charter. At Burgess we have a huge fleet of charter yachts to choose from, in all corners of the world. Our charter brokers are friendly and easy to talk to – there are no 'wrong' questions – so get in touch and book your dream yacht holiday.
For those that would like to explore yacht ownership, speak to our brokerage team who will be happy to discuss your requirements and send you a personalised selection of yachts for sale.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get into yachting for the first time?
The easiest way to start is with a yacht charter. It lets you experience life on board – crew service, itineraries, watertoys and destinations – without the long-term commitment of ownership. A broker will guide you through the basics (where to go, when to travel, what size yacht you need and what it will cost), then match you with the right yacht and crew based on your group and preferred style of holiday. From there, it’s simply a case of sharing your preferences and letting the crew take care of the rest.
Is it better to charter or buy a yacht?
It depends on how often you plan to use a yacht and what you value most. Chartering offers variety and convenience: you can try different yachts and destinations, with no responsibility for maintenance, crew employment, surveys or insurance. Buying can make sense if you charter frequently, want guaranteed access, and like the idea of a yacht tailored to your tastes. Ownership is a significant long-term commitment, and while some yachts may hold their value well, appreciation is never guaranteed – so the decision is usually driven as much by lifestyle as by finances.
Do you need experience to charter a yacht?
No, and many charter guests are first-timers. You don’t need to know how to sail or hold any qualifications, because the yacht comes with a professional crew and captain who run the yacht and look after your safety and comfort. Your broker will also walk you through the process beforehand, help you plan an itinerary, and make sure everything is suited to your group – so you can relax and enjoy the experience from day one.
To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.
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